The Pandemic’s One-Year Anniversary – AIR056

Matt Graham

 

It’s exactly one year today since Tasmania became the first Australian state to close its border to interstate travel. Since then, there have been endless state border closures and changes to interstate travel restrictions. But thankfully, as of last Monday, all domestic borders in Australia are now open again for the first time since March 2020. Things are now looking up!

On this one-year anniversary of the start of the coronavirus pandemic, we find out what happened to Henrique Pereira, the manager of Draper Startup House in Lisbon, Portugal, which had to close in March 2020 just two days after opening. Matt previously interviewed Henrique on Episode 32 of this podcast, which aired a year ago. Since then, what has happened to tourism businesses in Portugal, and did the hostel survive?

Also in this episode, how airlines have turned to selling miles to generate pandemic income – creating new opportunities within many frequent flyer programs. And the episode finishes with a reminder of some upcoming changes to several frequent flyer programs coming at the end of March 2021.

 

Episode contents:

  • 2:12 – Fortnightly news round-up
  • 14:07 – New opportunities to buy miles in 2021, including with Air Canada Aeroplan
  • 22:06 – Interview with Henrique Pereira
  • 46:22 – Upcoming changes to frequent flyer programs to be aware of

 

Links:

 

Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up:

Matt Graham
The editor of Australian Frequent Flyer, Matt's passion for travel has taken him to over 70 countries… with the help of frequent flyer points, of course!
Matt's favourite destinations (so far) are Germany, Brazil & Kazakhstan. His interests include economics, aviation & foreign languages, and he has a soft spot for good food and red wine.

You can connect with Matt by posting on the Australian Frequent Flyer community forum and tagging @AFF Editor.
Matt Graham
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